Sheehy’s Manual of Emergency Care, 8th Edition by Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)

Essential Emergency Care Manual for Nurses: Evidence-Based Protocols and Clinical Best Practices

About the Book

Sheehy’s Manual of Emergency Care stands as the definitive resource for emergency nurses worldwide. Published by the Emergency Nurses Association, this meticulously updated edition delivers evidence-based clinical guidelines, emergency protocols, and practical procedures essential for modern emergency departments. Covering everything from trauma assessment to advanced cardiac life support, this manual bridges the gap between theory and real-world emergency nursing practice. With its clear organization and clinical focus, it serves as both a learning tool for nursing students and a quick-reference guide for experienced practitioners facing high-pressure situations.

From the Back Cover

When minutes matter and decisions save lives, trust the resource that emergency nurses have relied on for generations—backed by the expertise of the Emergency Nurses Association and refined through decades of frontline experience.

About the Author

The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) is the premier professional organization representing more than 50,000 emergency nurses worldwide. With a mission to advocate for patient safety and excellence in emergency nursing practice, ENA sets the standard for emergency care education and certification. Their editorial team comprises practicing emergency nurses, clinical educators, and medical experts who understand the realities of emergency departments. This collective expertise ensures that every protocol and procedure in Sheehy’s Manual reflects current best practices and the latest evidence-based research in emergency medicine.

Who Is This Book For?

This manual is essential for registered nurses working in emergency departments, urgent care centers, and trauma units who need reliable clinical guidance at their fingertips. Nursing students preparing for emergency nursing certification or seeking to specialize in critical care will find this comprehensive resource invaluable for building clinical competence. Paramedics, physician assistants, and medical residents rotating through emergency departments will also benefit from its systematic approach to emergency assessment and intervention. If you’re responsible for making split-second decisions in high-stakes medical situations, this book belongs in your professional library.

Short Summary

Readers gain immediate access to evidence-based emergency protocols covering cardiovascular emergencies, respiratory distress, trauma management, toxicology, pediatric emergencies, and psychiatric crises. The manual provides step-by-step clinical procedures, assessment frameworks, and medication guidelines organized for rapid reference during emergencies. You’ll develop stronger clinical judgment through real-world case scenarios, enhance your understanding of emergency equipment and technology, and stay current with the latest standards of emergency nursing care that improve patient outcomes.

Key Features That Make This Manual Indispensable

Comprehensive Clinical Coverage
From initial triage to discharge planning, every phase of emergency care is addressed with clarity and clinical precision. The manual covers body system emergencies, environmental injuries, disaster preparedness, and special populations including pediatric and geriatric patients.

Evidence-Based Practice Guidelines
Every protocol reflects current research and aligns with national standards from organizations like the American Heart Association and American College of Emergency Physicians. You’re getting guidance you can trust in critical moments.

Quick-Reference Format
Organized for rapid access during emergencies, with clear headings, bulleted lists, and highlighted clinical alerts. Find what you need in seconds, not minutes.

Expert-Validated Content
Reviewed and authored by practicing emergency nurses and physicians who understand the challenges you face every shift. This isn’t theoretical—it’s practical wisdom from the front lines.

What You’ll Find Inside

Assessment and Triage Principles – Master systematic approaches to rapid patient assessment, prioritization, and resource allocation in busy emergency departments.

Emergency Procedures – Step-by-step guidance on airway management, IV access, wound care, splinting, and other essential emergency interventions.

Cardiovascular Emergencies – Protocols for cardiac arrest, acute coronary syndrome, arrhythmias, and heart failure management.

Trauma and Shock Management – Evidence-based approaches to trauma assessment, hemorrhage control, and shock resuscitation.

Respiratory Emergencies – Guidelines for managing asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and respiratory failure.

Toxicology and Overdose – Recognition and treatment protocols for common poisonings and drug overdoses.

Pediatric Emergency Care – Age-specific assessment techniques and treatment modifications for infant and child emergencies.

Psychiatric and Behavioral Emergencies – Safe management strategies for patients experiencing mental health crises.

Environmental Emergencies – Treatment for hypothermia, heat illness, bites, stings, and exposure injuries.

Why Emergency Nurses Choose Sheehy’s Manual

For more than 40 years, emergency nurses have turned to Sheehy’s Manual when they need answers they can stake their license on. This isn’t just another nursing textbook collecting dust on a shelf—it’s a working tool that saves lives through better clinical decisions. The Emergency Nurses Association’s reputation for excellence means every page reflects real emergency department realities, not ivory tower theories. Hospitals use it for orientation programs, experienced nurses keep it within arm’s reach during shifts, and nursing educators assign it because it actually prepares students for the controlled chaos of emergency care.

The manual’s practical approach respects your time and intelligence. There’s no fluff or filler, just the clinical information you need organized the way emergency nurses think. Whether you’re managing a mass casualty incident or assessing an ambiguous presentation, this guide helps you connect symptoms to interventions quickly and confidently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Sheehy’s Manual of Emergency Care suitable for nursing students or only experienced ER nurses?

This manual serves both audiences effectively. Nursing students gain a comprehensive foundation in emergency care principles and procedures, while experienced nurses use it as a trusted reference for complex cases and protocol verification. The clear organization makes it accessible for learners while maintaining the clinical depth that seasoned professionals require.

What makes this emergency nursing manual different from other emergency care textbooks?

Sheehy’s Manual is published by the Emergency Nurses Association, the leading authority in emergency nursing practice. Unlike general medical texts, it’s written specifically for nurses by nurses who understand emergency department workflows, nursing scope of practice, and the practical realities of providing emergency care. The content focuses on nursing assessment, interventions, and clinical decision-making rather than medical diagnosis.

Does this edition include updated protocols for COVID-19 and recent emergency care guidelines?

The 8th edition incorporates the latest evidence-based practices and clinical guidelines current at the time of publication. Emergency nurses should always supplement any reference text with their facility’s current protocols and the most recent guidelines from professional organizations, as emergency care standards evolve continuously based on new research.

Can paramedics and other healthcare professionals benefit from this emergency care manual?

Absolutely. While written from a nursing perspective, the clinical protocols, assessment techniques, and emergency procedures apply across emergency healthcare disciplines. Paramedics, physician assistants, and medical residents frequently use this manual to strengthen their emergency care knowledge and clinical decision-making skills.

How should I use this manual most effectively in clinical practice?

Keep it accessible during shifts for quick protocol verification and refreshers on infrequent procedures. Review relevant sections before starting your shift to refresh your knowledge. Use it during orientation to unfamiliar emergency department areas or when expanding your clinical competencies. Many nurses also use it to prepare for emergency nursing certification exams like the CEN.